Visitors to the Writers’ Cabin in the Dyfi Valley often ask what else they can do while they’re on their writer’s retreat here. The great news is we are spoilt for choice with bookshops and libraries in the Dyfi Valley and the surrounding region… Here are some ideas to whet your book-ish appetite.
Bookshops
Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop Run by Geoff and Diane in Machynlleth, this bookshop carries both new and second-hand books. Their sister Welsh-language bookshop Senedd-Dy is on the high street and situated inside the historic parliament building, Canolfan Owain Glyndwr. Opening hours can vary, so visitors are advised to do check their website before a special trip. The bookshop hosts occasional author events and the Writers’ Cabin partners with Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop to offer all guests £5 off any purchase in either shop.
The Literary Cat Books on the High Street in Machynlleth deals mainly in second hand books and is situated next to Hermit Crab cafe where all Writers’ Cabin guests enjoy a 10% discount. Coffee and books. What’s not to love about that combo?
Coch-y-Bonddu Books in Machynlleth sells books related to angling, fishing, falconry and shooting. Owner Paul Morgan has been dealing in books since the 1980s.
Bookshop by the Sea os a second-hand bookshop which hosts the annual Aberystwyth Poetry Festival and is just around the corner from Waterstones Aberystwyth in the centre of Aberystwyth.
Ystwyth Books has been trading in Aberystwyth since 1977 and is a well-stocked, higgledy-piggledy emporium of second hand books well worth visiting.
The flagship Poetry Pharmacy is situated in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, and is the world’s first Poetry Pharmacy. While it’s just over an hour to drive there from the Dyfi Valley, it’s absolutely worth the spin!
Libraries
Machynlleth Library on the High Street in town is thankfully still going and staffed by incredibly helpful librarians.
National Library of Wales is situated in UNESCO City of Literature, Aberystwyth. Membership is free; two proofs of identification are needed to access the Readers’ Room. As this is a national copyright library, readers can request copies of over 8,000,000 books or periodicals. The library enjoys a stunning view overlooking Cardigan Bay and has an extensive gift shop and cafe.
Further afield, Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, north Wales, is the UK’s only Prime Ministerial library open to the public.
Cinemas
If you want to re-charge your inspiration while you’re visiting Machynlleth by going out to catch a movie – perhaps a book-to-screen adaptation – there is an embarrassment of choice, with four independent cinemas within a forty-minute radius of the Writers’ Cabin.
Libanus 1877 in Borth is a bijou, cosy cinema with two small screens, comfortable seats and blankets (30 minute drive from the Writers’ Cabin).
If you visit the Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn, arrive with plenty of time in hand to benefit from the table service (nachos are good) and to order drinks from one of the best-stocked bars in west Wales (32 minute drive from the Writers’ Cabin).
Step back in time and visit the Commodore Cinema in Aberystwyth which has barely been modified since it opened in 1976 – a true retro cinema experience (40 minute drive from the Writers’ Cabin).
The Arts Centre Cinema Aberystwyth is situated within the Arts Centre complex and shows a wide range of flicks (40 minute drive from the Writers’ Cabin).
Curious to book a retreat at the Writers’ Cabin and explore the book-ish things to do locally? Book your writer’s retreat today.
